Waterproof match and method of making same.



earner ora ion.

FREDERICK VAN IDYKE CRUSER, OF B ARBERTON, OHIO, ASSIGNOR TOT'HE DIAMOND MATCH COMPANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS.

WATERPROOF MATCH AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME.

No Drawing.

. To all whom it may concern:

According tomy invention the composition comprising the match head is covered i by a homogeneous compound resulting from the action of formaldehyde on the glue or other gelatinous binding constituent of the composition, which compound well protects the match head from the influence of dampness and moisture and yet has no injurious effect upon the ignition sensitivenessof the head. composition. The match head thus covered, if immersed in water for a prolonged period of time, assumes a rubbery consistency and remains intact, while an untreated head under like conditions rapidly disintegrates and leaves the splint bareof composition.

In the manufacture of matches embodying my invention the headed splints, shortly after they leave the composition-applying station, are carried through an elongated chamber andtherein subjected directly to the action of formaldehyde, Whether in the form of a'gas, a spray or a solution. The action of the formaldehydeon the glue or other gelatinous binding constituent of the match composition forms on, and as an integral part of, the head, a. homogeneous film or coating which is insoluble in water.

In one mode of carrying out my invention a fortyper cent. aqueous solutlon of formaldehyde is contained .in'a shallow tray or trays arranged within the chamber, and

the carrier chain bearing the matches is guided in a path directly above and adjacent the solution, thus exposing the depending match heads to the maximum effect of the formaldehyde fumes. The chamber is equipped with a suitable hood in communication with a fume-exhaustpipe leading to a suitable point of discharge.

In another mode of practising my invention the solution of formaldehyde is forced Specification of Letters Patent.

through a series of spray nozzles or atomizers within the chamber through which thematches are bo ne by the carrier chain of the match machine, the, said solution thus being atomized or vaporized directly upon and about the composition as the matches progress through the chamber, and at the same time gases being evolved that are Patented Feb. 9, 1915.

Application filed February 17, 1914. Serial No. 819,168.

diffused throughout the chamber and into intimate contact with the match heads.

In still another aspect of my invention the composition heads of the matches in their travel through the chamber are dipped into a solution of formaldehyde contained in the trays. An eflicient solution for the purpose comprises formaldehyde (40% sofactured according to the principle of'my invention lose most of their sticky characteristics before drying, and hence in the event of the matches being packe fto'o'green, (2'. e. before they have become thoroughly dry in the match making machine,') there is less liability of their heads sticking together inthe match boxes. Consequently the matches can be run off the machine in much less time than is practicable in the manufacture of ordinary matches, thus shortening the manufacturing cycle and materially decreasing the length of the matchmachine.

' I claim-- i 1. As a new article of manufacture, a

match having its head composition covered said composition.

2. A process of sition heads of 'matches containing as an ingredient a gelatinous material rendered insoluble by the action of formaldehyde, said process consisting in subjecting the said heads, after their formation, to the action. of formaldehyde whereby. an integral homogeneous film or coating, insoluble in water, is formed on the exterior of said heads. 3/A process of waterproofing the composition heads of matches containing 'as an waterproofing the compoingredient a gelatinous material rendered insoluble by the action of formaldehyde, said process'consisting in transporting the matches, after the formation .of the heads Signed at Oswe%g in the .county of Osthereon; in a path directly above and adja- We'go and State of ew York this 13thday 10 cents, sglution fifhfornaldehgcie, thus exofFebruary A. D. 1914.

posing t e matc ea s in t eir travel to 5 the action of the formaldeh d6 fumes and FREDERICK CRUSH" producing on the exterior 0 said heads an Witnessesi v integral homogenous or coating which 'WILLIAM A. ALLEN,

' is insoluble in water. FRANKJ. WILLIAMS. 

